Anyone who has visited the Pacific Northwest will tell you that Oregon is home to a wealth of natural beauty, from its rugged coast littered with sea stacks and ocean vistas to craggy canyons and snow-capped mountains. And one of its chief beauties is the waterfalls dotting the state. With over 2,000 falls to choose from, waterfall chasers delight in exploring Oregon’s striking cascades. Enjoy scenic stops along the famous Waterfall Corridor and hunt for hidden gems in Oregon’s wild landscapes. Whether you have two days or two weeks to go waterfall chasing, here are 32 magnificent waterfalls you’ll want to make time for on your next trip to Oregon.
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Multnomah Falls
The most famous waterfall in Oregon, Multnomah Falls is a fairytale-like destination that gets its picture taken all the time. But pictures rarely do this picturesque fall justice. At 620 feet, the two-tiered waterfall is the tallest in the state. Whether surrounded by verdant greenery or snow-covered trees, it’s a must-see on any trip to Oregon.
Toketee Falls
Hidden away in a columnar basalt canyon is the gorgeous Toketee Falls, a natural, two-tiered masterpiece. The upper falls cascade 19 feet into a small grotto framed by basalt columns, while the lower falls plunge another 70 feet into a cerulean-blue pool at the canyon’s base. The view from the bottom is stunning, but for truly breathtaking views of both tiers, it’ll take an adventurous soul. With no inherent path, one must journey into the surrounding wild trees for the perfect shot of this waterfall from above.
Tumalo Falls
As you come up on Tumalo Falls, you’ll likely hear the roaring cascade before you see it. But that doesn’t mean you should stop there, because what a sight it is to see. The waters tumble down the dramatic cliff face to pour into the beautiful Deschutes River below in a spectacular display of beauty and power that you can’t miss experiencing for yourself.
Bridal Veil Falls
These silvery falls are a must-stop along the Waterfall Corridor. Tumbling two tiers over basalt cliffs, Bridal Veil Falls resembles a bridal veil cascading down a bride’s back, hence how the falls got their name. The bridal lore goes even deeper, as the nearby Bridal Veil postal office is a sought-after destination for soon-to-be-married couples to get their wedding invitations stamped.
Marion Falls
A hidden gem among the wilderness of Oregon’s Willamette National Forest, Marion is no quick stop off the highway. Visitors have to commit to a five-mile out-and-back hike, but the reward is worth the extra effort. The views along the way are nothing short of breathtaking, from placid lakes to rocky viewpoints, culminating in the tumbling falls surrounded by the vibrant greenery that’s an Oregon staple.
Gatch Falls
Off the beaten path takes on a whole new meaning when there’s no path to follow. Like Marion Falls, Gatch Falls sits hidden away within the dense forest of the Mount Jefferson Wilderness. But with no trail to follow, you can reap the rewards of this gorgeous waterfall without the crowds. And if you don’t mind a bit of mud, traveling further downhill will reward you with a breathtaking view of both Gatch and Marion in the background.
Lemolo Falls
The North Umpqua River boasts many delightful treats along its path, from small waterfalls to colorful wildflowers. But the true star awaits at the end of the trail. Cascading over 100 feet, the Lemolo Falls are the largest falls along the river. Beautiful in every season, a visit between April and June guarantees a trail bursting with wildflowers and a thunderous flow at Lemolo.
Fairy Falls
At only twenty feet, Fairy Falls doesn’t sound as impressive as some of the monster falls on this list until you’re standing in front of it. What it lacks in height, it makes up for in display, with a wide, fanning tumble resembling the train of a veil. In summer, the cascade is said to glow when the sun hits just right, which earned it the name “Ghost Falls.” But with its intimate setting and enchanting atmosphere, this waterfall is far more fairylike than ghostly.
Sahalie Falls
Ancient lava flows carved out the path of this thundering fall found along the McKenzie River. Sahalie is a Chinook word meaning “heaven,” among other things, and you’ll find that the name is rather apt. Between the churning waters, enchanting mist, and lush greenery surrounding Sahalie Falls, it certainly feels like a little slice of paradise.
Koosah Falls
Downstream from Sahalie Falls lies another little jewel along the McKenzie River, Koosah Falls. Formed from the same lava flows as Sahalie, Koosah is a bit smaller but sports the same foaming white waters and natural amphitheater of verdant vegetation. Both waterfalls are must-see stops along the McKenzie River Trail.
Wahclella Falls
Towering basalt cliffs, climbing green moss, mist-coated ferns, and smack dab in the middle, a thundering fall churning up froth as white as snow. Ensconced in a fairylike grotto, Wahclella Falls pours out of a narrow gorge in the cliff to fall 65 feet into a blue pool. From a higher viewpoint, you can even glimpse the semi-hidden upper falls that feed it. On a hot day, this relaxing waterfall is an enchanting destination and a perfect respite from the heat.
Wahkeena Falls
A short hike from Multnomah, Wahkeena Falls is a 242-foot waterfall visible from the Historic Columbia River Highway, but it’s worth taking a closer look. Unlike Multnomah, Wahkeena doesn’t plunge directly toward the ground. Instead, it fans out in a gentle cascade, which you can view from the footbridge near its thundering base.
Punch Bowl Falls
A narrow trail, steep cliffs, and heights that might dissuade the faint of heart make up the journey to this waterfall along the Eagle Creek Trailhead. The trail passes by several named and unnamed waterfalls, but Punch Bowl Falls stands out as a main stop thanks to its dramatic appearance. The 35-foot falls plunge into the basalt-lined pool below, making it immediately clear just how this particular Oregon waterfall got its name.
Watson Falls
At 272 feet, Watson Falls is the third-tallest waterfall in Oregon and easily one of the most beautiful waterfalls, too. Located in the North Umpqua River Valley, the pretty plunge tumbles down a sheer basalt cliff into a pool surrounded by a lush tableau of vegetation, from moss-covered boulders to colorful wildflowers. And for a sweltering summer day, there’s no better cure than standing near its base and feeling the spray of this powerful waterfall.
Metlako Falls
Traveling along the Eagle Creek Trail, Metlako Falls appears rather dramatically from the gorge, bursting from the cliff wall to plunge 100 feet into the bowl below. The stunning beauty of this waterfall was once visible from the Metlako Viewpoint, but a landslide followed by a devastating fire has left only the top of the waterfall visible from the trailhead. Still, as it’s the final major waterfall along Eagle Creek, it’s worth a visit.
Horsetail Falls
One of the most scenic stops along the Columbia River Highway, Horsetail Falls is so named because it looks just like a horse’s tail, though admittedly, a rather long one. The falls drop 176 feet into a pool below. If you’re coming down the highway, be careful of open windows; it’s quite common for the waterfall spray to reach as far as the highway.
Downing Creek Falls
Those with a little extra time on their hands will enjoy this little excursion off the beaten path. Downing Creek Falls lies hidden off the highway, down a little dirt road you can drive before you’ll have to hop out and go the rest on foot. But the end result is worth it: a striking, 35-foot waterfall surrounded by so much greenery it glows in the sunlight.
Sweet Creek Falls
The views along the trailhead certainly put the “sweet” in Sweet Creek Falls. With eleven waterfalls lining the Sweet Creek Falls trail, visitors have a hard time keeping their eyes on the path and not the flowing waters running alongside them. And that’s before arriving at Sweet Creek Falls, a 70-foot cascade with four tiers and white, foaming waters that mellow into a blue pool. It’s a hike you can’t miss when chasing waterfalls in Oregon.
White River Falls
Known as Oregon’s “mini Niagara,” the White River Falls is a mighty cascade tucked away in the White River Falls State Park. These secluded falls are located at the end of a short trail, less than a mile long. The scenic hike culminates in the 90-foot White River Falls, which tumble over the craggy canyon. Further downstream, visitors can catch a second cascade view that takes the beauty of this fall to another level.
Ramona Falls
Oregon has no shortage of beautiful waterfalls, but Ramona Falls sits far and above as one of the most enchanting falls in the state. The falls are situated in the middle of the forest, along an easy lollipop loop, with lots of gorgeous views along the way, including some of Mount Hood. And at the end, Ramona. The 120-foot waterfall cascades down the cliff face, creating a towering and enchanting display unlike anything else in Oregon.
Salt Creek Falls
Glacial waters carved the valley. Lava flows filled in parts of the canyon. In short, years of natural processes have formed one of the most impressive waterfalls in Oregon. Salt Creek Falls is a majestic fall that cascades a short distance before plunging 286 feet, making it one of the highest single-drop waterfalls in Oregon.
Proxy Falls
Tucked away in the Willamette National Forest, Proxy Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Oregon. Plunging over 226 feet, the size of the waterfall certainly plays a part in what makes this fall impressive, but it’s the power and grandeur of the falls, cascading over rock and spraying over visitors, all surrounded by lush greenery, that truly takes one’s breath away.
Abiqua Falls
Lace up your hiking boots and head out to the Abiqua Falls Trailhead. The hike is short, though a bit challenging from the upper parking lot, but the payoff is worth it. The falls sit within a basalt canyon, plunging into a deep blue pool. The contrasting colors of the cliffs, the lush vegetation, and the blue water make for epic photos to capture between admiring the falls and lounging in the shallower water.
Tamanawas Falls
This curtain waterfall near the base of Mount Hood is a beautiful day hike that is perfect in any season. However, it’s best enjoyed in spring and early summer when the falls are at their most powerful. Along with plenty of beautiful sites along the trail, those who make it to the falls can enjoy the unique experience of walking behind Tamanawas Falls.
Rogue River Gorge Falls
Waterfalls dot the path of the Rogue River Gorge, the most impressive of which is the Rogue River Gorge Falls. Located at the head of a mini-gorge, the falls tumble over a basalt bedrock in a small, short veil of five feet before narrowing into a thin, churning cascade that falls another 25 feet into the gorge. Among the experiences in and around Union Creek Resort, this is an essential one on the list for waterfall chasers.
Gooch Falls
With no official trail or signs, it’s easy to miss this waterfall located along Marion Creek, but consider this your official sign to put in the effort to see Gooch Falls. The impressive cascade is a delight to the senses, from the sight of the majestic falls ensconced in their green tapestry to the sound of their tumbling roar and the spray of their powerful plunge. As one of the four major waterfalls along Marion Creek, it’s a beauty that can’t be missed.
Whitehorse Falls
Whitehorse Falls is a small but mighty waterfall just off Route 138 in the Umpqua National Forest. Just a few steps from the parking area will bring you within view of this waterfall. At only 14 feet, it’s far from the largest on this list. But the gentle flow, emptying into a calm pool shaded by Douglas fir and surrounded by moss-covered rocks, is a scenic spot to stop, rest, and recharge while admiring the small beauties of nature.
Fall Creek Falls
This waterfall is hands down one of the most picturesque in Oregon. It’s also quite large. The waterfall is 335 feet tall, with three tiers: a 109-foot drop over a wide ledge, a 135-foot veil, and a final 91-foot drop into a vast bowl. A short and sweet hike along Falls Creek Falls Trail takes visitors down to a viewing point for the bottom two tiers, while a longer journey to the fall rim offers glimpses of the elusive top tier.
Steelhead Falls
Tucked away in the Deschutes Canyon, Steelhead Falls is a remote oasis, a 20-foot-tall waterfall surrounded by 25-foot-tall cliffs. The hike is a short, half-mile journey that culminates in the perfect scenic spot to enjoy a warm day of fishing, swimming, and even kayaking.
Cline Falls
Located on the Deschutes River, Cline Falls is a 20-foot-high, cascading waterfall that spans roughly 50 feet wide. Despite its small stature, the falls still captivate, with the basalt cliffs in the riverbed creating a rugged and untamed appearance. After a 1.5-mile (round-trip) hike to view the falls, visitors can return to the Cline Falls State Park to fish along the river or enjoy a picnic among the scenic landscape.
Upper and Lower Kentucky Falls
The Southern Coast Range boasts many an impressive waterfall, and chief among them are the Kentucky Falls. Located along Kentucky Creek, a short walk, less than a mile, down the Kentucky Falls Trail leads hikers to the majestic Upper Kentucky Falls, which plunges 88 feet into the creek. But the views don’t end there. A mile further along, the 117-foot Lower Kentucky Falls flaunts a plentiful spray that helps to keep hikers cool on a hot summer’s day.
